Purchasing Specialist (Japanese Bilingual) – Bremen, GA
Salary Range:$70k-$110k DOE
Position Summary
The Purchasing Specialist will coordinate and manage activities related to the purchasing and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies within a manufacturing facility. This role supports both domestic and global sourcing initiatives and contributes to new product launches, cost reduction efforts, and supplier performance management.
Key Responsibilities
Estimate material costs by reviewing market pricing and supplier costs
Manage negotiation and implementation of technical modifications
Oversee event ordering activities, including RFQ, negotiation, ordering, and delivery expediting
Support domestic and global sourcing for multiple brands
Participate in and support new product launches
Develop and execute cost reduction programs and maintain accountability for direct material costs
Lead project management for purchasing activity (budget, timing, accountability) across multiple concurrent product development programs
Ensure product launches meet program targets for quality, cost, and timing
Hold suppliers accountable to commitments and deliverables; escalate issues as necessary
Identify new cost-effective materials, parts, and products for current and future programs
Ensure supplier documentation is complete, including required agreements, assessments, and quality documentation
Apply required information to the Local Procurement Technical Assessment and coordinate meetings when needed
Support other departments as required
Maintain strong supplier relationships, viewing suppliers as long-term partners
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum 3–5 years of procurement experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience with negotiation, sourcing, bidding, contracting, supplier performance management, and risk management
Strong understanding of procurement processes and supply chain operations
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with purchasing systems (e.g., SAP) and MRP systems (e.g., JD Edwards EnterpriseOne)
Japanese-English bilingual proficiency (business level or higher strongly preferred)
Experience working in multicultural environments
Knowledge of international trade practices
Experience with 6S/5S methodologies
Lean Six Sigma certification (belt holder)
Work Environment
This role is based in a manufacturing facility environment. The candidate must be willing to work any shift and overtime as needed, depending on production demands and operational requirements.